TOKYO — With the start of job-hunting season approaching, many students in the graduating class
of spring 2015 are buying business suits, shoes and eyeglasses that will allow them to look their
best during job interviews.

The Men’s Building of Isetan department store in Tokyo offers suits — with prices ranging from
$493 to $789 — for people seeking jobs.

“I recommend a plain navy blue or black suit,” said Chiharu Otsubo, a staff member of the
department store. “About 90 percent of the graduating students go with navy blue. Many come to our
store with their parents.

“It’s better to avoid casual shirts with button-down collars. A white shirt with a regular
collar is preferable. It’s important to dress in a way that expresses who you really are.”

Aoki Inc., a men’s clothing wholesaler, said many shoppers opt for water-repellent stretch suits
with two pairs of pants. Designed to guard against stains and repel raindrops, the suit is made
from fabric that stretches to allow freer movement.

Based on his own job-hunting experience, Yuki Kobayashi, of Aoki’s Yokohama Kohoku store,
advises customers to purchase two suits.

“If they wear the same suit every day during the peak of the job-hunting period, it won’t be
easy to maintain its proper condition,” he said.

According to Isetan’s Shinjuku store, 80 percent of female students opt for black suits.

The right cosmetics make a difference, too.

“Not only do we offer advice on choosing a suit, but we also provide a makeup course for female
students hitting the job trail,” a department-store official said.

For those who wear glasses, switching from casual frames to a more mature look might help during
interviews.

Glasses can work to a job seeker’s advantage by giving the impression of a serious worker.

Shiho Ikegawa — an official of Jin Co., which operates the Jins chain of eyewear stores — said
metal-frame glasses, for example, convey a sense of stability and seriousness.